US may take Nepali ruling party off terrorism list

A senior U.S. official and Nepal's prime minister on Wednesday discussed removing the country former rebels  who have laid down their weapons and now lead the government  from a terrorism blacklist.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher told reporters that taking the United Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) off the U.S. list was among the tropics he addressed with Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. He did not elaborate.

The U.S. was among the last nations to establish contact with the Maoists even after they gave up their armed revolt in 2006 to join a peace process. It was only last year when U.S. officials and diplomats met Maoist leaders.

U.S. officials have repeatedly said Washington is concerned about continued reports of violence by groups affiliated with the Maoists.

The Maoists contested elections in May 2008 and emerged as the largest political party. They now head a coalition government. (AP)